The King is Coming
Matthew 2:9-11 & Daniel 7:13-14
November 29, 2009
Question: How do I live in a world that tells me I’m insignificant?
Answer: Because of Christ we are indispensable and invincible.
Insignificant
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? Psalms 8:3-4
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong…so that no one may boast before Him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Matthew 2:10-11
He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Daniel 7:14
Incarnation
Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned Him as worthy of death.
Mark 14:61-64
The LORD said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear Me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you."
Exodus 19:9
"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven."
Acts 1:11
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:6-8
Indispensable & Invincible
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11
"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet." In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering…So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
Hebrews 2:6-11
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Isaiah 60:1-3
Remembering Who to Thank
Psalm 107
November 22, 2009
Question: What should be the focus of a Christian Thanksgiving?
Answer: What is vital is to thank God for His unfailing love for us.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say this-- those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, Psalms 107:1-2
The Wanderers
Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Psalms 107:4-7
For he (Abraham) was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10
Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalms 107:8-9
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.
John 6:35
The Prisoners
Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, Psalms 107:10
But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22
For He breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.
Psalms 107:16
"The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19
The Dieing
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Psalms 107:17-18
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy.
Psalms 107:22
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then He said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
Luke 17:17-19
The Humbled
Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. Psalms 107:23
They stumbled and staggered like drunks – all their skills were useless.
Psalms 107:27 TEV
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalms 107:28-29
Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men. Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders. Psalms 107:31-32
A God Who is Involved and Loves Us
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17
The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.
Psalms 107:42
Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD. Psalms 107:43
"So Get To It!"
I John 5:13-21
November 15, 2009
Affirmation: Because of our faith in Jesus Christ we can live a life that’s certain.
We know we have Eternal Life
But these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
John 20:31
Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 17:3
We know God hears our prayers
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer.
I Peter 3:12
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us in groans that words can not express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
Romans 8:26-27
We know God answers our prayers
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask for the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 4:3
"If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you."
John 15:7
We know we need not habitually sin
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
I John 3:9
For sin is not your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14
We know we are safe in enemy territory
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand."
John 10:28
Who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
I Peter 1:5
We know we can understand God
Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 14:6
No one has seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.
John 1:18
We know we have an intimate relationship with Him
"On that day you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me and I am in you."
John 14:20
For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in His glory.
Colossians 1:27 NLT
Therefore we accept nothing less
Dear children, be on guard against all clever facsimiles
I John 5:21 MSG
"It’s All About Jesus"
I John 5:1-12
November 8, 2009
Question: How do I keep really obeying God’s commands from becoming burdensome?
Affirmation: The burden is taken away when living becomes all about Jesus.
Jesus For You
This is the One who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
1 John 5:6
Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. I would not have known Him, except that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, `The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
John 1:32-36
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:9-11
Jesus In You
The Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
1 John 5:8
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
John 3:5
Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:3
Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about His Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
1 John 5:10-11
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves His Child as well.
1 John 5:1
Jesus Through You
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:4-5
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:22-23
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, Who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18
November 2009
The Basis of Love
I John 4:7-21
November 1, 2009
Question: In this Halloween like world of phoniness, how do we prove the Gospel is true?
Affirmation: The reality of Christianity is shown by the unconditional love we shoe that flows out of our relationship with God in Christ.
The Ways We Try
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. In Your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Psalms 51:16-18
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject." At that, Paul left the Council.
Acts 17:32-33
But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
1 Corinthians 1:23-25
The Way We Love
And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us.
1 John 3:23
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7-8
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:7-8
"You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:43-45
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:9-12
We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the Day of Judgment, because in this world we are like Him.
1 John 4:13-17
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18
We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
1 John 4:19-21
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Isaiah 9:1-7
November 30, 2008
Rev. Peter Wood
Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Lament:
God can seem so far away.
Proclamation: Because of Jesus, God is with us
(Emmanuel)
"God is with us" in history
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.
In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the
future He will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the
Jordan.
Isaiah 9:1
They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find
that a prophet does not come out of Galilee."
John 7:52
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the
land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the Light of the World.
Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of
Life."
John 8:12
"God is with us" in our lives now
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on
His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to
reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or things in heaven, by making
peace through His blood shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:20
What shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be
against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but have Him up for us all -
how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31-32
"God is with us" in ultimate victory
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will
reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with
justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the
LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:7
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is
with men, and He will live with them and be their God. He will wipe away
every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or
crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Revelation 21:3-4
"The Power of Thanks"
Philippians 4:4-11
November 23, 2008
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
How can I be truly thankful this Thanksgiving?
Paul tells us the way we can truly "Rejoice in the Lord always" and thus live in the power of real thanksgiving.
The Facts
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have always been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:10-11
See Acts 16:19-34
Let your gentleness be known to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James 5:8
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown from you.
Revelation 3:11
The Faith
See Matthew 6:25-34 & Luke 12:22-34
"It is not only wrong to worry, it is infidelity, because worrying means that we do not think God can look after the practical details of our lives, and it is never anything else that worries us."
Oswald Chambers
"My Utmost for His Highest"
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3
The Focus
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me – put into practice. And God’s peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give like the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since you are all members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
"All Together Now – The Real Church"
Ephesians 4:11-16
November 16, 2008
What’s wrong with being a "Lone Ranger" Christian?
Dynamic Christian growth happens in Christ-centered community.
The Grief
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
Ephesians 4:14
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that
The Lord is good.
I Peter 2:2-3
The Game Plan
It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
Ephesians 4:11-12
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I Peter 4:10-11
The Goal
Until we reach unity in faith and in knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:13
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:15-16
"Ministry That Fits"
I Corinthians 12:1-11
November 9, 2008
What keeps my Christian life from being truly dynamic?
God has designed each of us to live out our Christian life in unique Spirit-led ministry.
Self-led Ministry: The Swamp
On the last day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
John 7:37-38
Self-led Ministry: The Rat-race
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12
Spirit-led Ministry: Your SHAPE
For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
"The more we get what we call ‘ourselves’ out of the way, and let Him take over, the more truly ourselves we become."
C. S. Lewis
Spirit-led Ministry: Spiritual Gifts
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
I Corinthians 12:7
Spirit-led Ministry: Heart
They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and the gates have been burned with fire. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before God in heaven.
Nehemiah 1:3-4
Spirit-led Ministry: Ability
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.
Exodus 31:3
Spirit-led Ministry: Personality
"Before you were in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5
Spirit-led Ministry: Experience
Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.
I Samuel 17:36-37
Spirit-led Ministry: Full Spectrum
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold (literally: "many-colored") grace of God.
I Peter 4:10 NASB
Thought to Ponder: If I didn’t need to worry about what needed to be done, and could do one terrific thing for God it would be _______________________________________________________________.
"Face to Face"
Acts 2:42-47
November 2, 2008
How can I find what’s missing in my Spiritual life?
The Book of Acts gives us a prototype of what’s important in our Spiritual life.
Devoted Learning
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:25-26
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16-17
I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once and for all entrusted to the saints.
Jude 3
Christ-centered Worship
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
I Corinthians 11:26
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:25
Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38
Genuine Fellowship
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:39
They broke bread in there homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts
Acts 2:46
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done by My Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there I am with them.
Matthew 18:19-20
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2